Newborn Baby Care:
The First 12 Weeks
From the first latch to the first smile - everything new parents need to know about caring for a newborn, backed by clinical guidance. See our newborn care FAQ for answers on bathing, cord care, and what's normal.
Newborn at a Glance
The First Week Home
🏠 Bringing Baby Home
- Set the room temperature to 24–26°C - Singapore's humidity makes over-wrapping dangerous
- Place baby on their back in a firm, flat crib or cot - No pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding
- Keep visitors limited to reduce infection exposure in week 1
- You'll get little sleep - That is completely normal and temporary
🔴 Umbilical Cord Care
- Keep the stump dry - Fold the nappy below it
- Clean once daily with a cotton bud dipped in cooled boiled water
- Falls off naturally in 1–3 weeks - Do not pull it
- See a doctor if redness, swelling, or foul odour appears
⚖️ Normal Weight Changes
Most newborns lose 7–10% of birth weight in days 1–4. This is normal. They should regain it by day 10–14.
🏥 Singapore: Newborn Screening
All babies born in Singapore hospitals undergo the Newborn Metabolic Screening (NBS) - A heel-prick blood test at 48 hours screening for 25+ conditions including PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and G6PD deficiency.
Feeding Your Newborn
Breastfeeding
Aim for 8–12 feeds/day. Feed on demand - Not by the clock. One breast or both per feed is fine. Read our full <a href='/faq/breastfeeding/' class='text-primary underline hover:no-underline font-medium'>breastfeeding guide</a> for tips on latching and milk supply.
Formula Feeding
Follow tin instructions precisely. Never dilute or over-concentrate. Sterilise all equipment. More guidance in our <a href='/baby/feeding/' class='text-primary underline hover:no-underline font-medium'>formula feeding guide</a>.
Mixed Feeding
Introduce formula only after breastfeeding is well established (usually 4–6 weeks) to protect milk supply.
Hunger & Satiety Cues
Early hunger cues (feed now)
- ✓Rooting - Turning head, opening mouth
- ✓Sucking on hands or fists
- ✓Moving arms toward mouth
- ✓Increased alertness or wriggling
Late hunger cues (already upset)
- !Crying (a late, not first, cue)
- !Turning red
- !Fists clenched tightly
- !Arching back
Newborn Sleep
For full sleep schedules, regressions, and sleep training guidance, see our baby sleep guide. Use our sleep schedule planner to build a routine for your baby's age.
Safe Sleep (SIDS Prevention)
Bathing & Daily Care
🛁 First Bath
- Wait until umbilical cord falls off for tub baths (1–3 weeks)
- Sponge-bathe daily in the interim - Face, neck folds, diaper area
- Water temperature: 37°C (test with elbow - Should feel neutral)
- Use fragrance-free, pH-neutral baby wash only
- Never leave baby unattended near water - Not even for a second
🩺 Nappy & Skin Care
- Change nappy every 2–3 hours or immediately after a bowel motion
- Clean front to back for girls to prevent UTI
- Let skin air dry before fastening new nappy
- Zinc oxide barrier cream prevents nappy rash
- Newborn skin may peel - This is normal and needs no treatment
Singapore Well-Baby Checks (0–3 months)
| Visit | What's Checked | Vaccines |
|---|---|---|
| At birth (hospital) | Newborn examination, APGAR score, hearing screen, newborn metabolic screening (heel-prick) | BCG, Hep B (dose 1) |
| 1 month (polyclinic) | Weight, length, head circumference, jaundice check, developmental review | Hep B (dose 2) |
| 2 months | Growth review, developmental milestones, feeding check | Pentavalent (dose 1), Pneumococcal (dose 1) |
| 3 months | Growth, social smile check, head control assessment | Pentavalent (dose 2), Pneumococcal (dose 2) |
Source: Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). Track upcoming vaccines with our Immunization Tracker →
Warning Signs - When to Seek Help Immediately
Go to A&E immediately
- ⚠High fever ≥38°C in a baby under 3 months
- ⚠Difficulty breathing or blue around the lips
- ⚠Seizures or uncontrollable shaking
- ⚠Inconsolable crying for more than 2 hours
- ⚠Limp body or unresponsive
Call your doctor today
- ⚠Jaundice spreading below chest after day 5
- ⚠Fewer than 6 wet nappies in 24 hours
- ⚠Not feeding or refusing all feeds for 4+ hours
- ⚠Blood in stool or vomit
- ⚠Umbilical cord site red, swollen, or smelly
Your Emotional Wellbeing
Baby Blues vs. Postnatal Depression
Baby blues (normal)
Tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety in days 3–5. Affects up to 80% of mothers. Peaks around day 4 as milk comes in. Resolves within 2 weeks.
Postnatal depression (needs support)
Persistent low mood, inability to bond, anxiety, or feeling nothing lasting more than 2 weeks. Affects 1 in 10 Singapore mothers. Speak to your GP or OB - Effective treatment exists. Read more in our postpartum mental health guide.
Support in Singapore
-
KKH Women's Mental Health
Specialist postnatal mental health clinic at KKH -
IMH Parent Support Line
6389 2222 - 24-hour helpline -
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
1767 - 24/7 crisis line -
Baby Bonus & Maternity Leave
Claim your 16 weeks <a href='/tools/parental-leave-calculator/' class='text-primary underline hover:no-underline font-medium'>maternity leave</a> and <a href='/faq/baby-bonus-singapore/' class='text-primary underline hover:no-underline font-medium'>Baby Bonus</a> - See our Finance Guide